James Walters

Bailey RichardsStaff Reporter

November 16, 2012

James B. “Jim” Walters, 81, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 10, 2012 at his home in Cincinnati, Ohio.

He was the loving husband of Ollie Jean “Toddie” (née Mobelini) Walters; devoted father of Cheryl (Jim) O’Neill, Susan (Tim) Hisch, and James Patrick (Alicia) Walters; adoring grandfather of Cassidy, Savannah, Jordan, Adam, and Georgia; special uncle to Donald “Happy” Mobelini and many nieces and nephews.

He was a graduate of Viper High School. Following his high school graduation, he attended Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduation from Union, he worked briefly in the coal fields of Eastern Kentucky. His proudest moment was being the first member of his family to graduate college. His fondest college memory was being part of “The Ferocious Few” intramural basketball team and being a member of the school’s very first golf team.

He went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Industrial Safety from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He then began his 38 years of federal service which included various responsibilities and assignments throughout the United States and other countries. While employed as Chief of Investigation Branch, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington D.C. , he also served on the Presidents’ White House Capital Committee for Hiring the Handicapped and the Committee for Developing a National Strategy for the Prevention of Occupational Traumatic Injuries.

Prior to retirement, he was honored by being selected by the World Health Organization for assignment to the British controlled country of Trinidad. In Trinidad, he addressed the WHO and provided Safety and Health training to personnel from countries in the Caribbean basin.

Jim was a Kentucky Colonel, Tennessee Volunteer and was recognized by former Mayor Bill Gorman as a “Duke” of Hazard, Kentucky. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed watching UK basketball with a passion. He enjoyed a life time of fishing, boating, hunting, watching his grandchildren in their many activities and spending his days alongside the love of his life for 52 years. He will be missed beyond measure.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Friday, Nov. 16 at the Lothair Community Church. Visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a memorial service beginning at 1 p.m. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery. Maggard Funeral Home is serving the family.